El Tapado facts for kids
El Tapado (born in Santo Domingo around 1627 – died in Mexico City on July 12, 1684) was a very mysterious person. He arrived in New Spain (which is now Mexico) in 1683. He claimed his real name was Antonio Benavides, and that he was the Marquis of San Vicente. He also said he was sent by the Spanish royal court to be a special inspector and governor of the colony. He even claimed to be the governor of the important Acapulco castle.
Who Was El Tapado?
El Tapado landed in Veracruz on May 22, 1683. This was around the same time that a famous pirate named Lorencillo and his crew attacked and robbed the port city. It's possible that El Tapado was a secret messenger or an inspector from the Queen Regent of Spain, Mariana of Austria. However, he couldn't prove who he was or why he was there.
Arrest and Public Reaction
Because he couldn't prove his identity, El Tapado was arrested in a place called Cuetlaxcoapa (which is now Puebla). He was suspected of working with the pirates. From there, he was taken to Mexico City while wearing chains.
On July 12, 1684, El Tapado was taken to a public place in Mexico City called Xico. On that day, a solar eclipse happened. Many common people had given him the nickname El Tapado, which means "the covered-up" or "the hidden one." They saw the eclipse as a sign from God that an innocent person was about to be punished. Even with the eclipse and the public's feelings, the authorities went ahead with their plans.
Afterwards, El Tapado's head was taken to Puebla. It was put on display in front of the door of the Compañía Church. The exact reason for this is still not known today.
See also
In Spanish: El Tapado para niños
